Accra: Ms Foluke Akinmoladun, a prominent Nigerian legal practitioner, has issued a call to action for Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) professionals across Africa, urging them to fortify their technical, intellectual, and ethical competencies. Her aim is to position the continent as a leading global hub for ADR practice.
According to Ghana News Agency, Ms Akinmoladun delivered her message virtually at the 2026 Africa ADR Conference. She emphasized that the future of ADR in Africa should focus on exporting excellence instead of importing expertise. She advocated for reversing the current trend where disputes from African commercial transactions are often resolved outside the continent, despite the presence of capable indigenous ADR institutions.
Ms Akinmoladun stressed the importance for ADR practitioners to earn global respect and confidence as economic and commercial activities continue to grow in Africa. The conference, themed 'Positioning Africa as a Hub for Alternative Dispute Resolution Practice: Building Capacity, Recognition, Credibility and Economic Impact,' was organized by the Africa Centre for Collaborative Dispute Resolution (AfCCoDR) in collaboration with the Association of Conflict, Peace and Security Experts in Africa (ACPSEA). It gathered ADR practitioners, legal professionals, academics, policymakers, business leaders, students, and development partners dedicated to advancing peaceful and effective dispute resolution across the continent.
While acknowledging Africa's progress in ADR, Ms Akinmoladun expressed concern about the continent's underrepresentation in global arbitration appointments and leadership roles within international ADR institutions, despite adopting modern arbitration laws and supporting frameworks. She emphasized that Africa must build the necessary confidence and capacity to resolve more disputes within the continent. Her vision is for parties to actively choose African institutions, arbitrators, mediators, and seats, trusting in the quality of services provided.
Ms Akinmoladun, Managing Solicitor of Trizon Law Chambers, Ikoyi, Lagos, identified additional competencies needed by ADR professionals, such as digital literacy, advocacy, and cultural intelligence. She highlighted the necessity for ADR practitioners to be multidisciplinary, combining legal excellence with commercial understanding to succeed in future practices.
Mr Isaac Asare, Founder and President of AfCCoDR and ACPSEA, described ADR as essential for peacebuilding, access to justice, economic growth, and sustainable development. He reaffirmed the organizations' commitment to resolving conflicts through dialogue, stating that the conference aimed to strengthen and advance ADR practice across Africa.
Ms Mina Mensah, Secretary-General of ACPSEA, noted that the conference sought to highlight both successes and challenges of ADR practice in Africa, identify capacity-building strategies for practitioners, and examine the role of ADR in promoting trade and investment. The deliberations aimed to deepen understanding of ADR and inspire collective action towards building stronger dispute resolution systems on the continent.
Participants shared experiences and insights on ADR practice in Africa, with calls for enhanced public education, stronger regulatory frameworks, and accountability mechanisms for practitioners.